COVID-19 Vaccination Live updates: Ratan Tata receives first shot of COVID-19 vaccine

"I got my first vaccine today. My heartfelt thanks to the scientific community who have successfully vaccinated us with tireless efforts in a short period of time. We will all take steps to continue to be healthy and safe." said MK Stalin after receiving his first dose of vaccine. 

On the occasion of the International Women's Day, the Maharashtra government on Monday set up five COVID-19 vaccination centres in each district of the state exclusively for inoculating women. These centres will remain operational only for the day, a health official said. 

The cumulative number of #COVID19 vaccine doses administered in the country has crossed 2.06 crores (2,06,62,073) today: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India

Lok Sabha Secretariate to set up a COVID-19 vaccination centre in Parliament House Medical Centre for vaccination of MPs & their family members; vaccination to take place from March 9 in accordance with prioritization as guided by National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration

Centre rushes high level multi-disciplinary public health teams to Maharashtra & Punjab in view of increase in daily COVID cases being reported by these States. They're being deployed to assist State Health Depts in COVID surveillance, control & containment measures:Govt of India
 

Union Health Ministry's approval for vaccination of veterans & dependents of Armed Forces personnel in Service hospitals has been received. The process is likely to commence next week after completion of registration of Armed Forces medical facilities on Co-WIN Platform: Army

Nearly 15 lakh people were inoculated against coronavirus on March 5, the highest in a day so far, taking the total number of vaccine doses administered in the country to over 1.94 crore, official sources said on Saturday. 

The Governor of Maharashtra Bhagat Singh Koshyari was administered the first shot of Covaxin at the State-run J. J. Hospital in Mumbai on Friday. Director of Medical Education and Research Dr T P Lahane, Dean of Sir J J Group of Hospitals Dr Ranjit Mankeshwar, Medical Superintendent Dr Vijay Surase were present.

Zimbabwe has authorized the use of COVAXIN, India's indigenous COVID-19 vaccine, becoming the first country in Africa to do so. Trying to get it to Zimbabwe at an early date: Embassy of India in Harare, Zimbabwe

The cumulative number of COVID-19 vaccine doses administered in the country has crossed 1.77 crores today, says Union Health Ministry

Vaccine politics reared its ugly head again as RJD MLA Bhai Virendra on Wednesday, said that he would get vaccinated after taking the opinion of 'specialists'. Lashing out at PM Modi, he said that they (RJD) do not copy anyone as the 'BJP was filled with bluffers'. Several politicians like Trinamool's Shantanu Sen, Congress' Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav had slammed the PM's inoculation, calling it poll tactics.

We will take the vaccine only after taking the opinion of specialist doctors and we won't do anything in haste. This party is full of bluffers and Jumlas." When informed that both PM and Bihar CM have been inoculated, he said, "PM daily wears suit worth Rs 50 lakh, so should we also wear them? We don't look and copy any actions. We do all work only after proper consultation. Whatever is the suspicion, you will know it," said Virendra.

In retaliation, BJP MLA Nitin Naveen said, "The party which does not trust its own people, trust has to be brought from inside. The Indian vaccine which has been demanded by 22-24 countries and has been recognized by UN, they are opposing. They are just Modi opposers, so they will oppose anything. It is unfortunate that they are misleading the people." 

As the second phase of vaccination is underway in India, Himachal Pradesh CMO has informed of a request received from the Central Tibetan Administration (the Tibetan government in exile) to vaccinate the Dalai Lama and other Tibetans in the state, and said that the decision would be taken soon. The request to vaccinate the 14th Dalai Lama, who has been under home-quarantine, was received by the state's CMO two months ago. Himachal Pradesh CMO said that the matter was under discussion and that the final decision would be given soon.  

Following India Head Coach Ravi Shastri, his teammate and former cricketer Madan Lal also received the first jab of the COVID-19 vaccine on Tuesday morning. Lal, an integral member of India's 1983 World Cup-winning squad, was administered with the vaccine jab at the Jeewan hospital and nursing home. Taking to Twitter, Lal shared an image of him receiving the vaccine and lauded the nursing home for the smooth procedure. 

The Union Health Ministry on Tuesday responded to the report of Karnataka Minister BC Patil receiving his first dose of the Coronavirus vaccine at his residence, saying that it was 'not allowed in protocol'. This comes after the actor-turned-politician, who currently serves as Minister of State for Agriculture took his vaccine shot at his residence in Hirekerur, Haveri. The Centre has asked for a report on the matter.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh takes his first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at the Army Hospital. 

After taking the COVID-19 jab, Ravi Shankar Prasad said, "I got myself vaccinated in AIIMS, Patna I have also given a support amount of Rs 250. Modi Ji decided that corona warriors will be the first to get inoculated. I thank Patna AIIMS for their support to the Corona fight. India's vaccine is being used not only in India but in two dozen countries of the world. It's a matter of pride." 

After receiving the first dose of COVID-19 on Tuesday morning, Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan said that he and his wife have been administered with Covaxin and the vaccine will work as 'Sanjeevani'. Stating that Hanuman Ji had crossed India to get it, the Union Health Minister said that this 'Sanjeevani' is available at nearby private and government facility. Harsh Vardhan said, "We've paid Rs 250 for it, those who can afford should pay."

Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) President Kamal Haasan on Tuesday afternoon received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at Chennai's Sri Ramachandra Hospital. The MNM chief said that those who care not only for themselves but also for others should take the vaccine jab immediately. Ahead of Tamil Nadu Assembly polls, Kamal Haasan took to Twitter and said, "Immunisation of body immediately, vaccination against corruption next month."

Image: Twitter | @ikamalhaasan

Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan along with his wife Nutan took the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine at Delhi Heart and Lung Institute. 

Supreme Court judges and their family members to be administered with COVID-19 vaccine tomorrow: SC Registry Sources

Supreme Court judges are not allowed to choose between Covaxin or Covishield. It will be entirely through Co-Win System. Government Facility (CGHS Dispensary) within the Supreme Court to be used, Health Ministry clarifies

Vaccination being done 3 govt facilities & 2 pvt hospitals in the district. At each vaccination centre, only 200 people will be inoculated in a day. Urge those above 60 yrs of age & those above 45 yrs with comorbidities to get vaccinated: Deputy Commissioner, Bengaluru Urban Dist

The second phase of the COVID-19 vaccination program started at over 10,000 designated government facilities and 20,000 private hospitals and vaccination centers on Monday. While the first phase of the Coronavirus vaccination drive focused on healthcare and frontline workers, the second phase is dedicated to those above 60 years of age and those above 45 years with co-morbidities - registered on the CO-WIN website, which went live at 9:00 AM, March 1. The Union Ministry announced that the pricing for a COVID-19 vaccine dose has been capped at Rs 250 at private hospitals. Meanwhile, like the first phase, doses will be available free of cost at government centers with the Centre bearing the cost of the inoculation.

Kicking off phase-2 of India's COVID vaccination programme, Prime Minister Modi received his first jab of the vaccine on Monday at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi. Sporting an Assamese Gamcha, PM Modi sent a political signal to poll-bound states, getting jabbed by nurses- Sister Niveda & sister Rosamma hailing from Puducherry and Tamil Nadu respectively. After the jab, he appealed to all those citizens eligible for the jab to get vaccinated. As of date, 13,561,208 doses have been administered across India at 49,976 sites.

The two nurses who administered the COVID-19 vaccine to Prime Minister Narendra Modi at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi, spoke to Doordarshan - sharing their experiences. 

Sister Niveda was quoted by DD News saying, "I was called here to vaccinate, and after arriving here in the hospital, I got know that I am going to vaccinate Prime Minister Narendra Modi. I felt good after meeting and speaking to him. Sir (PM Modi) has been vaccinated with Bharat Biotech's COVAXIN first dose. After the vaccination, he asked us how are we and where we come from, and right after receiving the dose, he said, 'Oh, it's already done? Didn't realize'. "

While speaking to the media, Sister Rosamma said, “It is very nice to see sir (PM Modi). Only today morning we came to know that the Prime Minister would be coming for vaccination. It was nice to see him, he was very comfortable."

Sources state that PM Modi travelled to AIIMS early morning to avoid inconvenience to daily commuters. Moreover, sources state that the Prime Minister lightened the mood of the vaccinators by asking if they were 'using thick needles traditionally used on animals on him'. When the staff looked confused, he commented that as politicians were 'thick-skinned', he thought he would be vaccinated with 'thick needles, breaking the ice and relaxing the staff.

Congress

In PM's inoculation visuals, there was 'gamcha' (Assam), & nurses who vaccinated him were from Kerala & Puducherry. Coincidentally, there're elections in these states. It would've been 5 states had he also carried Rishi Aurobindo's photo & Geetanjali: Congress' Adhir Chowdhury

Trinamool

Politcising PM Modi getting his 1st vaccine dose, Trinamool MP Shantanu Sen on Monday, claimed that the PM's jab was 'publicity', adding that 'Photograph is more important than Protocol'. Commenting on PM Modi's changed appearance, he claimed that the PM's 'newly grown Rabindrik beard' would have become invisible if he had worn a mask. Adding 'God save India', the Trinamool MP added that Mamata Banerjee was 'saving Bengal'. Several other politicians like Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, Akhilesh Yadav have politicised vaccination as a BJP 'stunt'.

AIMIM

As per Germany govt, #Covishield isn't as effective for people aged 64 & above as it's for people aged b/w 18-64. Can Govt clarify the confusion? It's a coincidence that PM took Bharat Biotech's COVAXIN vaccine today. However, I urge all to get vaccinated: Asaduddin Owaisi, AIMIM

Congress

I am above 70 years of age. You should give it (#COVID19 vaccine) to youngsters who have a longevity in life as opposed to me. I merely have 10-15 more years to live: Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, when asked if he would take the vaccine jab

We have given some relaxation to state govts. In the next few days, the walk-in system will be streamlined, a provision is in place for this. A certain number of people can go to the centre after taking an appointment through booking: Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan

A certain number of people can walk-in at the centre. There are many people in the country who can't access or face difficulty in booking. All these systems will be streamlined within one week. As of now, there is no issue in the app (Co-WIN): Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan

Scientists & ICMR confirmed that these have no link to any mutation. Govt has sent its team of experts there (affected states). Our Cabinet Secy & Health Secy have spoken to chief secretaries & officers. Centre's in touch with all States: Health Minister on rise in #COVID19 cases

The side effects are minimal like swelling or fever. This sometimes happens during normal vaccination too. Hospitalisation due to vaccination is 0.0004 - it's negligible. No death has occurred due to vaccination: Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan

If someone dies 4 days or 10 days after inoculation, you can't link it to vaccination. Every death has been scientifically investigated. High powered experts committee evaluate it, no case has come yet that death is vaccine-induced: Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan

I will do the booking today and I plan to get vaccinated tomorrow: Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan, to ANI

I appeal to all citizens who are above 60 yrs of age, those above 45 yrs with comorbidities, all MPs-MLAs & even Opposition MLAs to get vaccinated. This would send a message to people that they should get vaccinated at the earliest: Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan, to ANI

I've been saying from beginning that both our vaccines are safe & perfect as far as immunogenicity is concerned. We're thankful to PM, he has always told us that you've to lead by example. He took the jab 1st of all, when vaccination of people above 60 yrs has begun: Health Min

He took COVAXIN, against which a lot of misinformation was spread even when it was scientifically perfect. I think PM has given a clear message to the country. All misinformation & hesitancy should be buried once and for all: Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan, to ANI